The Center of the World [DVD] [2001]

Sex and passion collide in director Wayne Wang's erotic The Center of the World. Artisan has done a decent job on this 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. A small amount of grain and edge enhancement show up in a few areas, though overall the print looks fairly clean. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround as well as Dolby 2.0, both in English. The 5.1 soundtrack sounds slightly full with surround sounds utilized on both the front and rear speakers in a few key scenes. Overall the dialogue, effects, and music are all clear and free of any hiss or distortion. Also included on this disc are English captions. The Center of the World also includes a few insightful extra features, starting with a weird featurette titled "Behind the Cyberscenes" which takes a look at the movie's website, as well as a screen-specific commentary track by director Wayne Wang and consultant Patrick Lindenmeyer. Sadly, this commentary track is confined to only a few scenes, lessening the information about the making of the film. Also included is an interesting alternate ending scene, some DVD-ROM content, and two theatrical trailers for the movie.

Synopsis

The Center of the WorldIn this digitally shot feature from acclaimed director Wayne Wang) (The Joy Luck Club), the boundaries of sexual relations are put to the test by two individuals. Richard (Peter Sarsgaard) is a dot-com entrepreneur who, despite earning millions of dollars, feels little connection to the outside world. After frequenting a strip club, he offers Florence (Molly Parker), a sometime-stripper who also works as a drummer, $10,000 dollars to accompany him to Las Vegas for a short stay. She makes him a list of rules that must be followed: no kissing on the mouth, no penetration, and each will stay in separate bedrooms and only convene during the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Staying in adjoining rooms, they stick to the plan as laid out until they develop a fondness for each other -- still, Florence tries to maintain the order of their agreement. Despite Richard's declarations that he is in love with her, she is forced not to let herself get too involved, even when their sexual relationship begins to increase after the arrival of Florence's hooker friend Jerri (Carla Gugino), who after a brutal fight with a man, immerses herself in the sexual lives of Richard and Florence. The film also features Balthazar Getty and Shirley Knight in small supporting roles. ~ Jason Clark, Rovi